Santacruz-Chembur Link Road: Lack of signage confuses motorists on Day 1

Though the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) was thrown open for public use yesterday, several motorist coming from the Western Express Highway (WEH) were seen asking for directions due to inadequate signage directing towards the SCLR. The flyover was inaugurated with a quiet ceremony due to the ongoing election code.

After being under-construction since 2003, the SCLR was finally thrown open for public use yesterday after a subdued inauguration ceremony due to the ongoing election code of conduct. Pic/Sayed Sameer Abedi

Though there was no chaos, being a public holiday, traffic department personnel present between WEH and CST Road junction confirmed that inadequate signage forced motorists to seek directions for the SCLR from locals and on-duty traffic cops.

A traffic constable said, "The SCLR will help decongest Kalanagar and Sion Junctions. But motorists are finding it difficult to locate the flyover, especially those coming from the WEH side, due to absence of signage along the route."

When this correspondent visited the SCLR stretch, it was discovered that only two to three signage between WEH and CST Round junction were installed to direct motorists towards the flyover. While one of the signage was installed at the WEH, the second one was found at CST Road Junction.

This left the motorists, heading for the SCLR via Kalina University, hunting for directions. After taking the double-decker flyover and crossing Tilak Nagar station it was discovered that the MMRDA had installed plastic signage, which appeared temporary.

Motoristspeak
Dhaval Nisar said, "Earlier, I used to travel via the WEH-Sion-Bandra Link Road and take the Eastern Express Highway (EEH). But the SCLR will not only help save time, but fuel as well. The only complain I have is the absence of adequate signage that will help motorists reach SCLR from WEH."